Harvey Weinstein targeted by alleged extortionist

Harvey Weinstein targeted by alleged extortionist

An aspiring actor has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to extort millions of dollars from movie mogul HARVEY WEINSTEIN and threatening to kill him and his family.

Published 23rd August 2012

Vivek Shah, from West Hollywood, California is accused of targeting Weinstein and at least four other tycoons in a bid to force them to deposit money in offshore bank accounts, according to the New York Post.

The alleged scheme was smashed by cops and Shah was arrested earlier this month at his parents' home in Chicago, Illinois.

The actor is currently being held in West Virginia, close to where one of his alleged targets lives, and has not been granted bail.

An investigation into the extortion plot was launched after a letter was sent to coal magnate Christopher Cline, in which he was told his family would be targeted unless he transferred £8.2 million to an offshore bank account.